03 / RF measurement / Localization research
RF Direction Finder
Exploring how receive-antenna observations can support directional RF measurements.
01 / Context
The problem
Signal strength and phase observations are affected by antenna behavior, reflections and receiver differences, so a stronger reading does not automatically indicate a reliable source bearing.
02 / Engineering
The approach
Start with controlled reference-source experiments, compare candidate scanning or multi-antenna methods, and report directional estimates with their uncertainty and environmental limitations.
A proposed receive-only direction-finding study comparing observations from a rotated directional antenna or a suitably synchronized antenna arrangement. The approach would require band-appropriate receivers, reference-source measurements and careful treatment of reflections and receiver calibration.
03 / Toolkit
Technologies
- Directional antennas
- Band-appropriate RF receiver
- Angular scanning
- Python
- Calibration and uncertainty analysis
04 / Purpose
Intended contribution
Build an experimental foundation in antenna behavior, RF measurement and the interpretation of directional observations.
Development record
What has been established
No completed receiver array, calibration dataset, bearing accuracy or localization range has been demonstrated. A bearing estimate alone does not determine a source location or identity; all proposed analysis is passive.
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